The Indian Air Force (IAF) welcomed its second C295 aircraft on Friday, marking a significant step in the replacement of its aging Avro-748 fleet, officials confirmed.

In September 2021, India finalized the purchase of 56 Airbus C295 aircraft to modernize its air fleet, amounting to a total of Rs 21,935 crore.

Airbus Defence and Space announced that out of the 56 ordered aircraft, 16 will be crafted in Seville, Spain, while the remaining 40 will be produced in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) at a Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara, Gujarat.

"The journey continues: India has received its second C295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Sixteen of the total 56 aircraft will be made by Airbus in Seville, Spain. The remaining 40 will be manufactured by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) at the C295 Final Assembly Line in Vadodara, India," the statement read.

These aircraft mark a significant milestone in India's aerospace sector, being part of the country's first 'Make in India' Aerospace program in the private sector, breaking Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) historical monopoly.

The first domestically produced C295 is expected to roll out from the Vadodara plant in September 2026.

"The countdown begins: The first 'Make in India' C295 is set to debut from the Vadodara plant in September 2026," the statement further added.

The Indian Defence Ministry and Airbus Defence and Space, Spain, inked the contract for the procurement of 56 C-295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force in September 2021. The C-295MW aircraft, boasting a 5-10 tonne capacity, incorporates modern technology to replace the aging Avro aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

Featuring a rear ramp door for swift troop and cargo deployment, 16 aircraft will be delivered directly from Spain within 48 months of contract signing, while the TATA Consortium will manufacture the remaining 40 within a decade of the contract signing.

Indian Airlines Expand Fleets Amid Rising Air Travel Demand